Chapter 13
Out on a wooden platform outside town hall, the mayor, Captain Biggins, and Angel stared out at the crowd who gathered to hear about the news of the investigation.
When the time came, Mayor Giroux goes up to the news microphones and he begins his speech. "My fellow citizens of Mystic Rock Harbor, for the pass twelve days, trust me I have been counting since the first murder, this town has been rocked with fear and turmoil. I was blind by the impression that this town was safe enough for its citizens, but I was wrong when my nephew, Michael Giroux was murdered.
"However, this town would've continued to serve as a killing ground if it weren't for our brave detectives and police officers, but I believe the credit goes to Detective Angel Lyons-Swagger. She spent every hour in searching for the killers until they were caught. So, I hand it over to you, Detective Swagger," Mayor Giroux said and allows Angel to tell the story.
Angel stood in front of the microphones and a couple of camera flashes went off and she began to speak. She explained about the escaped convicts of the Western British Columbia Sanitarium and of the murder of Dr. Absolon Perrot and Martin Savage assumed his identity.
"Savage was the brains behind the operation and he had the power of manipulation," Angel said and continued to explain about Savage gaining St-Pierre's trust. "Faustin St-Pierre suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Savage saw him as a perfect tool to carry out the murders," Angel added and some of the news reporters began to ask questions, but Angel ignored them and continued with her story.
"Savage returned to the sanitarium and he perfected Dr. Perrot's appearance and it fooled a lot of people, including me. Despite Savage's knowledge about mental illnesses and of St-Pierre's condition, he did fail to inform me of what he suffered from," Angel explained and went on with the investigation. She told the audience when she realized that the person the hunting party caught, who they thought it was Martin Savage was actually Henry Kneller.
"Kneller suffers from schizophrenia, but he told me some information that proved to be critical in the investigation. Last night, Dr. Perrot's stolen car was found and, in spite of Captain Biggins' protests, I confronted St-Pierre inside the abandoned saw mill and asked him questions as to why he killed those people," Angel said and continues, "He was given the impression that the people he killed were polluting the ocean, thanks to Martin Savage.
"Unfortunately, Faustin St-Pierre was killed by accidental gunfire, but before he passed, he was able to inform me who manipulated him into believing that the murders did good for the environment. Martin Savage was confronted and arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder. A judge has yet to decide whether he is completely sane," Angel finished her story and the news personal began to ask questions.
Angel then realized that she forgot to mention something or some people who helped in the investigation. "Before Captain Biggins comes to answer questions, I would like to thank Mr. Samuel Evers Sr. and Mr. Samuel Evers Jr., owners of the Ouvrir Mer Scuba Diving School and Shop for their help in providing critical information in the case," she said and she allowed her boss to take over.
When the conference was finished, Angel joined with her family in the crowd. "That was truly amazing," Mok commented and he kissed Angel's forehead.
Emmy wanted to be lifted up by her mother, so Angel did, and held her daughter tight. "Before we go to the beach, I want to stop somewhere," Angel said and they went to the car and Angel told Toad where to go.
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When the car arrived at the Ouvrir Mer Shop, Angel gave a look of surprise and amazement. A long line was out the door and it seemed that Angel's thanks to the owners arose the shop's business.
Angel, taking Emmy got out of the car, and squeezed through the crowd to get in. "Hey, it's Detective Swagger!" someone shouted and then came the frenzy of shouts and photo taking.
"C'mon now, people! Give her some space!" Sam Evers Sr. demanded and helped Angel and Emmy get out of the crowd.
"This is incredible, detective. As soon as you spoke your thanks for me and my son, a whole bunch of people have been coming in. Now, I'm booked on scuba lessons for the rest of this summer and for this fall and winter!" Mr. Evers Sr. exclaimed.
"Congratulations Mr. Evers and tell your son I said that," Angel replied and he nods and notices her daughter.
"Who is this little lady?" he asked.
"My daughter Emmy, she is not old enough for scuba diving lessons," Angel replied and Mr. Evers placed a hand on his chin.
"I want to scuba dive, mommy," the little girl said.
"Tell you what; since business is booming and it looks like I'm going to have to hire more swimming instructors, I'll see if there is anyone would be willing to teach little ones and when Emmy is old enough, the lessons would be free of charge," Mr. Evers replied.
"Oh, I really don't want to do that, how about 10% off?" Angel asked and Mr. Evers decided to haggle.
"How about 50%?" he asked, but Angel shook her head.
"15," she said.
"25% off the lessons and I'll take an additional 25% off of the equipment used in the lessons," Mr. Evers spoke his final haggle.
"Deal," Angel replied and they shook hands and Mr. Evers went back to work. Angel and Emmy went back to the car and it drove back to the Swagger house.